Pharrell Cries to Oprah While Watching People Dance to ‘Happy’

It’s the song that swept the nation. Originally released as the main theme to Despicable Me 2, Pharrell Williams’ hit “Happy” became a sensation when thousands of people began covering the song. Videos hit the web full of lip dubs, unique instrumentation and as a cover song for many organizations and hospitals.

While sitting down with Oprah for “Oprah Prime,” the famous talk show host played Pharrell a video projecting the worldwide reach of the tune. From London to Malawi to Taiwan, fans of the song danced along to the infectious beat.

It was an overwhelming moment for the singer.

“People are putting up videos and now it’s no longer my song,” he said through tears, feeling the gravity of the song’s impact.

The song was originally released on Nov. 21, 2013, but as Pharrell remembered, it didn’t hit until cover videos starting making its way to the web. Soon, the song became a sensation. It wasn’t until March of this year it topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The happiness may have radiated through Pharrell’s body as it became his first No. 1 as the lead artist in a song; it was his fourth No. 1 as a featured guest artist.

But it wasn’t just an American sensation – the song topped charts in 23 countries.

The song has been featured in the Fiat commercials, on “Glee” and reality shows “The X Factor” and “The Voice.”